Zambesi designers Liz Findlay (left) and Dayne Johnston (right) in an official portrait for their Mercedes-Benz Presents announcement. Image supplied.
New Zealand Fashion Week 2017 is just six weeks away now and today brought the exciting announcement that celebrated local brand Zambesi will be this year’s Mercedes-Benz Presents designer. Zambesi’s NZFW 2017 show will take place on the evening of Monday 28th August directly after NZFW officially opens. This is the fourth year that Mercedes-Benz New Zealand is an Elite Partner of New Zealand Fashion Week and hosting the Mercedes-Benz Presents event.
Globally, Mercedes-Benz has been successfully partnering with the fashion industry for 22 years and currently supports over 60 fashion platforms globally. The brand is passionate about supporting fashion labels to be their best and that includes their title sponsorship of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks in Sydney, Milan, Amsterdam and Istanbul. Mercedes-Benz is the perfect brand to partner with the fashion industry as both celebrate style, forward-thinking design and technical innovation.
For Zambesi the Mercedes-Benz Presents honour recognises their position as one of New Zealand’s leading fashion brands known for their innovation and master craftsmanship. Since the brand’s inception in 1979 they have championed local production, creating impeccably made garments that perfectly reflect their modern, intelligent approach to fashion. Their NZFW 2017 presentation with showcase their Autumn /Winter 2018 collection as ‘Mercedes-Benz Presents Zambesi’.
“Zambesi are thrilled to be the 2017 ‘Mercedes Benz Presents’ designer at this year’s New Zealand Fashion Week” says Neville Findlay of Zambesi. “The fashion world is enriched by Mercedes-Benz’s involvement in our industry, and Zambesi is honoured to be partnering with this iconic brand. Mercedes-Benz has committed to ongoing support of fashion design worldwide, and as a proud New Zealand brand, Zambesi is equally passionate and confident in the success of this partnership. The Zambesi fashion week show is always an exciting highlight for our team and we are delighted to have the support of Mercedes-Benz at New Zealand Fashion Week’s opening event.”
Zambesi join local designers Dame Trelise Cooper, Kate Sylvester and Harman Grubisa in receiving the Mercedes-Benz Presents accolade. Not to mention the likes of Badgley Mischka, Monique Huillier, Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam and Carla Zampatti who have held the honour at international fashion weeks. In celebration of their exciting partnership with Mercedes-Benz, Zambesi have created two bespoke ensembles which will feature in their Mercedes-Benz Presents Zambesi runway show.
“It is incredibly inspiring to be associated with a brand like Mercedes-Benz”, says Dayne Johnston, Zambesi menswear designer. “Innovation, quality and craftsmanship are at the core of our design process, so we are very excited to be partnering with Mercedes-Benz who share those same values.”
“Mercedes-Benz reflects confidence, sophistication and imagination, making it the perfect fit for Zambesi”, says Elisabeth Findlay, Zambesi Co-Founder and designer. “The integrity of both brands brings a harmonious partnership which we look forward to celebrating!”
Mercedes-Benz also joins New Zealand Fashion Week as the event’s official automotive partner this year which means Mercedes-Benz will provide a fleet of official event vehicles to transport VIP guests in their luxurious cars during the event.
“Mercedes-Benz is very proud to announce Zambesi as our 2017 Mercedes-Benz Presents designer” said Mr Ben Giffin, General Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars New Zealand. “Over many decades, Zambesi have proven their commitment to New Zealand fashion, and established an outstanding reputation for high quality, innovative garments. We’re absolutely thrilled to partner with a brand of their calibre. Fashion remains a key interest of our customers, and the New Zealand public alike, and we’re excited to deliver another luxurious and engaging experience at New Zealand’s most important fashion platform as elite partner for a fourth consecutive year.”